Open AccessTelephone Medicine for Internists
Author(s) -
Elnicki D. Michael,
Ogden Paul,
Flannery Michael,
Hannis Mark,
Cykert Sam
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2000.06459.x
Subject(s) - medicine , reimbursement , documentation , medical emergency , triage , family medicine , medline , primary care , medical education , health care , computer science , political science , law , economics , programming language , economic growth
The role of the telephone in medical practice is important, but often problematic. Mistakes in telephone diagnosis and triage can have severe consequences. An effective office system can reduce liability risks, and in some cases telephone contact can substitute for office visits. Internists feel unprepared to provide telephone care. Therefore, residency education needs to focus on documentation, consultant availability, and performance feedback. Research should focus on improving outcomes, reimbursement issues, and technologic advances. This article describes internists' telephone interactions with ambulatory patients, preparation for telephone medicine, and aspects of office telephone systems and makes comparisons with other primary care fields.